Lesson plan:

Narrative structure

Like a number of episodes of Round the Twist this episode cleverly ties together two separate narratives - the struggle to stop the building of the dam and Bronson's desire to win the peeing competition.

As a whole class

Construct a chart showing how the narratives are structured beginning separately and then drawn together at the end.

Satire

Class discussion

This episode provides a useful opportunity to introduce students to the concept of satire. Discuss the comments the show offers on politicians and/or developers through the behaviour of Mr Gribble.

The messages in fables

The concept of water spirits used in this episode draws on a long mythological tradition which includes the stories of the ancient Greeks and those of indigenous Australians.. Such stories can be read, like this episode, as environmental fables with an important message.

Class discussion

Discuss the important social function of such mythical concepts. Allow students to research and present a myth or fable which they believe carries an important message.

Narrative structure: conflict

Competition and jealousy are frequently used narrative devices. They offer the storyteller opportunities to develop conflict and present a powerful climax. See Room to Move and Just Friends from the Winners series for useful examples.

Individual activity

Have students write a creative essay using competition as a basis for the narrative. The competition could be between:
- sportspeople (eg. Room to Move Winners)
- political leaders
- dancers (eg. Strictly Ballroom 1992)
- musicians (eg. Princess Kate Touch the Sun)
- writers

What is humor?

Class discussion

Humor is a difficult concept to analyse. What makes something funny is hard to identify. Ask students to identify the elements in the peeing competition sequence that make this scene so funny. Discuss why the scene is funny.